Before You Travel
Everything you need to know before arriving in American Samoa
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To complete your American Samoa Digital Arrival Card (ASDAC), you will need the following information ready. Please review each section below to ensure you have all required documents and details before starting your declaration.
Passport Details
All travelers must have a valid passport or a Certificate of Identity (CI) that is accepted by the American Samoa Government to enter American Samoa. The information you enter will be checked against your traveler declaration upon arrival.
Required Information
- Full legal name (as shown on your passport or CI)
- Passport number (or Certificate of Identity (CI) number, if applicable)
- Country of citizenship
- Passport (or CI) expiration Departure
- Date of birth
- Gender
Passport Validity
Your passport should be valid for at least 6 months beyond your planned stay in American Samoa and have enough blank pages for entry stamps. If you are traveling with an ASG-recognized and accepted Certificate of Identity (CI), enter your CI details instead of passport details.
Important
A Certificate of Identity (CI) is a travel document. It is separate from visitor permit requirements, which are explained in the Visitor Permit section.
Contact Details in American Samoa
You must provide your accommodation and contact details for your stay in American Samoa. This information is required for immigration and border health surveillance purposes and may be used to contact you if needed.
Accommodation in American Samoa
- Type of accommodation (hotel, Friends or Relatives, Airbnb / Vacation Rental, etc)
- Name of hotel, vacation rental, or host
- Village location
- Phone number at accommodation (if available)
Travel Details
Provide details about your journey to and from American Samoa, including your mode of travel and flight or vessel information.
If Arriving by Air
- Airline name
- Flight number
- Departure city/airport
- Date and time of arrival
If Arriving by Sea
- Vessel/ship name
- Voyage number (if applicable)
- Port of embarkation
- Date and time of arrival
Additional Travel Information
- Purpose of visit (tourism, business, visiting family, etc.)
- Length of intended stay
- Number of persons traveling in your party
- Whether you are part of an organized tour or package trip
- Number of previous visits to American Samoa (if any)
Airlines Serving American Samoa
Pago Pago International Airport (PPG) is served by Hawaiian Airlines, Samoa Airways, and Talofa Airways, with connections through Honolulu (HNL) and Apia, Samoa (APW).
Travel History from Last 30 Days
For biosecurity and public health purposes, you must declare all countries you have visited in the 30 days prior to arriving in American Samoa.
Information Required
- List of all countries visited in the past 30 days
- Dates of visits to each country
- Whether you visited any rural or agricultural areas
- Whether you had contact with livestock or wildlife
Immigration History Questions
You will also be asked whether you have ever:
- Been refused entry to American Samoa or any other country
- Been deported from American Samoa or any other country
- Currently have a communicable or contagious disease
- Received a court penalty of 12 months imprisonment or longer
Why This Matters
American Samoa maintains strict biosecurity measures and border health screening to protect public health and our unique island environment. Your travel history helps officials assess potential risks and determine whether additional screening is needed.
Visitor Permit Requirements
American Samoa has its own immigration requirements separate from the United States mainland. Understanding these requirements before you travel will ensure a smooth entry process.
Who Does NOT Need a Visitor Permit
- U.S. citizens
- U.S. nationals (including American Samoans)
- Citizens of the Federated States of Micronesia, Marshall Islands, and Palau
Who NEEDS a Visitor Permit
- All foreign nationals (non-U.S. citizens, non-U.S. nationals)
- Citizens from Independent Samoa have special entry requirements
Different Types of Permits
Immigration Details
For travel requirements, such as visitor permit applications or inquiries, local sponsorship requirements, proof of onward travel, residence permit information, and other immigration matters, please visit the American Samoa Immigration Office (Department of Legal Affairs) website: legalaffairs.as.gov.
You may also contact Immigration directly:
- Phone: +1 (684) (684) 633-4153
- Email: info@la.as.gov
This is the official American Samoa Government authority and the most up-to-date source for visitor permits and all immigration-related information.
Important Note
A valid U.S. visa does not automatically grant entry to American Samoa. American Samoa maintains its own immigration controls, and a separate visitor permit may be required regardless of your U.S. visa status.
What You Need to Declare
You are required by law to declare certain items when traveling to American Samoa. Declaring items honestly helps protect American Samoa’s environment, agriculture, and public health. Failure to declare restricted or prohibited items may result in fines, seizure of goods, or prosecution.
Agricultural & Plant Products
American Samoa enforces strict biosecurity protections to safeguard its environment and agriculture. All food, plant, and agricultural items must be declared so they can be properly inspected and cleared upon arrival
- Rooted plants, plant cuttings, algae, or seaweed products
- Soil, sand, growing media, compost, or items contaminated with soil
- Cultures of bacteria, fungi, viruses, or protozoa
- Cut flowers and foliage
- Seeds or bulbs (raw or for planting)
- Biological specimens and laboratory materials, such as vaccines, blood or other specimens/samples, live/dried/preserved specimens, and laboratory equipment
- Other related plant/animal/agricultural items not listed above
Animals & Animal Products
Animals and animal products are regulated to protect public health and local ecosystems. Pets and certain animal-related items may require prior approval, quarantine, and health documentation, and must be declared before entry.
- Dogs, Cats, Birds
- Reptiles (turtles, lizards, snakes)
- Insects; amphibians, or similar organisms
- Live or dead fish & seafood (lobsters, crabs, clams, sea cucumbers), etc.
- Animal Parts
- Meat and animal products( fresh, frozen, dried, smoked, cooked; sausages/jerky/cured meats; and packaged foods containing meat)
- Dairy products
- Eggs and egg products
- Feathers, shells, and coral
Currency & Commercial Goods
Declaration is required for financial and commercial items brought into American Samoa. This includes large amounts of currency, goods intended for business or resale, and items that exceed personal duty-free allowances.
- Currency (cash) or monetary instruments over USD $10,000 (or foreign equivalent)
- Goods/samples for business, commercial, or trade use, or goods carried on behalf of another person
- Goods obtained overseas or purchased duty-free with a combined total of USD $500 or more (including gifts)
- Tobacco products (over personal allowance: 200 cigarettes, 100 cigars, or 2 kg of tobacco products per adult – 21 years and over)
- Alcoholic beverages (over personal allowance: more than 1 liter per adult – 21 years and over)
Restricted & Controlled Items
Some items are restricted, regulated, or prohibited under American Samoa law. These items may require permits, licenses, or prior approval, and failure to declare them may result in penalties or seizure.
- Firearms, ammunition, or explosives
- Controlled substances or illegal drugs
- Prescription medications, if you are carrying three (3) or more months
- Protected wildlife products, shells/coral, or other regulated natural items
- Hazardous chemicals or toxins
- Outdoor and recreational gear (camping, hiking, sports equipment)
- Fishing and marine gear (rods, nets, tackle, boots/waders)
- Clothing and footwear that may contain dirt or organic material (shoes, boots, work clothes)
- Animal-related equipment or supplies (equipment or medications used with animals)
- Any equipment exposed to soil, freshwater, farms, or outdoor/agricultural environments
- Any item requiring a permit, license, or prior approval from the American Samoa Government.
- Any other restricted, prohibited, or regulated items
Prohibited Items
The following items are strictly prohibited and will be seized:
- Illegal drugs and narcotics
- Counterfeit currency and goods that infringe on trademarks/copyright
- Items made from endangered species
- Obscene materials
When in Doubt, Declare
If you are unsure whether an item needs to be declared, it is always better to declare it. Declaring an item does not mean it will be confiscated—officers will assess whether it meets entry requirements. Failure to declare, however, may result in penalties.
Ready to Complete Your Declaration?
Now that you have all the information you need, start your American Samoa Digital Arrival Card.
